This week, we are going to continue to tell you about some illegal casinos in gaming history.
First, the O’Dweyer’s Club was located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was opened from 1949 to 1951 at 100 Jefferson Highway. The reason for its closing was because of Governor Jimmie Davis. Reportedly, there were thousands of people who would attend these illegal gaming activities nightly. For the people who went, it was an opportunity to dress up, eat a meal and gamble.
The O’Dwyer family was reportedly in illegal gaming in Louisiana from 1916 to 1960. They operated different illegal gaming businesses. Even though they were illegal gaming joints in New Orleans, the family even made its only postcards and matchbooks like a traditional casino. Today, a Salvation Army store is located at the address where the gaming operation was.
Second, Tower Club was located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The address was 1626 Park Avenue in Hot Springs National Park. An article earlier this year in The Ringer, called it a, “Modest supper club on the outskirts of town.” According to Artwork Archive, it was located at the city limits. It was the first establishment to bring entertainers to the city. It opened in 1941. The illegal casino was in operation till 1964.
Below, you can find chips from both places for purchase.
You can purchase each chip by clicking the picture:
O'Dweyer's Club
Tower Club
